NATIVE BLUES

Entertaining acappella musical comedy returns to Durban for run at the Playhouse.

The entertaining acappella musical comedy Native Blues can be seen in the Playhouse Drama from October 7 to 10, as part of The Playhouse Company’s New Stages Festival. This engaging retrospective of the musical sounds emanating from Durban’s legendary Umkhumbane dating back to the 1950’s is written and directed by Faca Kulu. The production stars Faca Kulu and Siyabonga Zuma, who head a vibrant cast that includes Thabani Mhlangu, Sifiso Mngadi, Mandla Manzi and Bonga Zulu

There was a time in Umkhumbane when young men, fired up with the prospect of a glance from a beautiful woman, would spend hours perfecting their acappella singing. They would meet on street corners or in some backroom and rehearse their close harmony singing until their heads resonated with the ‘buzz’ that only perfect close-harmony can bring. And if they could make a crust from the music, it would be an added bonus.

Native Blues tells the heart-warming story of one such male singing group, as seen through the eyes of its two surviving members. Through their music, the men relive their memories of life and hope in an era which marked the early dark days of apartheid. As their story unfolds, it is interspersed with close harmony singing that envelops them and captivates their audience.

The production was first performed at the Catalina Theatre in 2008. The Playhouse Company presentation in its upcoming New Stages Festival sees a more developed script, set and staging - allowing the production the necessary ‘next step’ that it needs.

Performances of Native Blues will be on October 7 (11h00 and 19h30), October 8 (19h30), October 9 (14h00) and on October 10 (14h00 and 19h30). Tickets R45 booked through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or the Playhouse on 031 369 9540 or 031 369 9596.